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Foundation Capital CERTIFIED

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FIRM OVERVIEW: Large Private VC founded in 1995 based out of Menlo Park, USA (US West)

FIRM DESCRIPTION: We are all entrepreneurs first and foremost. All members of our team have founded technology companies and helped them grow. We've known success and we've failed more than a few times. We know what it's like to pitch for payroll and we remember when some of our partners stuck by us during tough times while other partners ran at the first sign of trouble.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of building such great companies as Atheros, Netflix, CommerceOne, EnerNOC, ShoreTel, Peribit, Interwoven and many, many more.
Call any of our entrepreneurs to get the real scoop. Ask them what it's like to work with us. We're extremely proud of our relationship with our companies and we take great pride in having earned a reputation for being "smart", "down-to-earth" "great to work with", "extremely supportive", and "different from most other firms".
We look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by
longspeak
on 2011-04-02

Posted by
Bill Scheurer
on 2010-02-15

PUBLIC:

I met with Ashu Garg recently and found him to be open, honest and full of insights that were very helpful to our company. We do not seek funding in our first meeting with VC firms. Our approach is to get to know them first to see what they can bring to the table to help build a successful company. I came away with a clear sense that Foundation Capital would add a lot of value as an investor, and in fact would make a great lead for any round we might put together in the next few months.

Posted by
jjb9e
on 2008-06-21

PUBLIC:

Foundation gave thorough feedback to me when they rejected my request for funding. I disagree with the reasoning, but appreciate the fact that they understood what I was showing them and could outline and explain their reasons for turning it down. When rejections occur, this is the way they should happen.

Posted by
generalist
on 2008-06-14

PUBLIC:

Foundation Capital is a very supporting fund. All their partners have a strong execution experience, they understand and empathize with, the entrepreneur. They stand behind their firms during the roller coaster tide, even when other funds give up.
They have invested in my company in a preemptive round, which they led and took all the outside portion of the round. The company immediately got into trouble, and they kept funding it until today.
Besides this great approach, they do not bring much value in networking and execution.

Posted by
Toroid
on 2008-03-31

Posted by
mes162
on 2008-02-23

PUBLIC:

We pitched Charles Moldow for our Series A and he decided to pass (he did this respectfully, making sure to call me personally and walk me through his reasoning for why they weren't interested right now, but might be in the future).

A month after we closed our round with another top-tier fund, I contacted Charles regarding a product development project I was overseeing. The project involved visiting someday-potential customers to observe future users of our product as they carry out the process that our software solution will address. I asked Charles if he'd be willing to make an introduction to one of Foundation's portfolio companies, who also happens to be one of the most well known/respected brands in the world. I had a response from him almost immediately, and within a week he had helped set up an in person meeting with the company's CIO.

Lots of VCs say that they "add value". This is one of the few that does. Charles had no motive to make this introduction for us, or help line up a very important meeting for us, other than to help out entrepreneurs at an early stage company trying to build a successful product. If this is the kind of help he offers to people at companies that he passes on, I can only imagine the value he adds to companies that he decides to fund!

I interviewed to be the CEO of one of Foundation's investments last year. I was the the CEO who could have saved this investment, and turned it into a real home run - and they agreed. They used an east coast headhunter to manage the process, who found someone at a company I'd done 10 years ago who didn't like me, so they canned the process. Their company is now in the process of shutting down because these guys were so intent on crossing the "ts" and dotting the "Is" before they hired anyone to lead the venture, even though the team and the founder really wanted me. I could go on and on, but they put put form over function, and lost their investment, and ruined the founder's opportunity and vision, and the team members lost their jobs.

Posted by
Anonymous
on 2007-12-31

Posted by
Annonymous
on 2007-11-11

PUBLIC:

We are a new technology firm, and Foundation Capital was one of our first VC pitches for a bunch of very green entrepreneurs.

After reviewing information here and elsewhere regarding FC we decided to short list them for a potential pitch. We were unable to locate from our network a quality person to introduce us so we bit the bullet and cold emailed Mike Brown, who immediately responded and put us in contact with their EIR who has experience in our market.
After reading comments on TheFunded I was initially skeptical about meeting with an EIR but FC seemed like such a good match for us that it was worth the risk. We met Steve at the assigned time a week later. He was on time, professional, obviously knew the space we were in and asked intelligent, thoughtful questions. Overall the meeting went for almost 1.5 hours. At the end he let us know that they would not be interested in a Series A, but encouraged us to return when considering a Series B, C etc. I asked what elements of our plan would help us to be more attractive and he detailed weaknesses we knew we had, which was a great confirmation for us to help focus our efforts. Steve also mentioned he had some contacts in the area who could help us out. With that that we shook hands and though we did not secure funding I considered it a very useful meeting for limited experience, early stage entrepreneurs.

I would definitely recommend reaching out to Foundation Capital, and will be contacting them again next year when we're up for our next round.

Posted by
Anonymous
on 2007-10-10

PUBLIC:

We pitched to Charles in a meeting, and found that he was great at thinking through our business challenges like we do. Despite being a VC, his interests were aligned with maximizing the value we could extract from the smallest amount of capital we need to raise so as to conserve equity on the round and get us to a higher valuation on the next round. He also understood our space and wanted to focus on the important business questions at hand (who are your customers" what are the obstacles in the sales process") rather than questions about terms or money/milestones. Overall, a great listener who seemed like he genuinely cared about our business.

Posted by
Browsing9744
on 2007-09-15

PUBLIC:

I couldn't agree more: we like Mike. Over several meetings, he's proven always responsive, moves the ball forward with both the company's operational and funding goals, has good insight, and is an overall asset and breath of fresh air in the VC industry.

He's been creative when necessary and goes side be side with the entrepreneur to help pull the company through its most important hurdles.

I've had nothing but great interactions and I'm looking forward to working with him for a long time to come.

Posted by
jlemoncheck
on 2007-09-10

Posted by
Rclark
on 2007-09-06

PUBLIC:

I have been a CEO, founder, seed investor and board member of a number of venture backed companies. The team at Foundation is one of the best from the standpoint of understanding and support for the entrepreneur. I have found them to be extremely responsive. In my most recent company I have had the opportunity to have Mike Schuh as a Board member, not only is he available 24x7 but his advice and willingness to roll up his sleeves to solve problems is very unique. The key point is we build our companies for success and Foundation is a partner that will stick with you all the way!

Posted by
aclarke
on 2007-09-05

PUBLIC:

I've been working with Charles on and off again for years, but over the past year as an Entrepeneur and advisor to a few companies, Charles has come through time and time again with good advice, and useful introductions.

I've not yet worked with foundation for funding, but if/when my company looks for external funding, I will be knocking on that door.

Posted by
Anonymous
on 2007-09-04

PUBLIC:

We met a number of VCs when we were raising the money. Many firms are dominated by financial guys. In contrast, most partners at Foundation have had operational experiences. This has turned out to be very helpful. Adam Grosser and Charles Moldow give pointed and insightful advice.

I needed an introduction to a potential strategic partner - Charles was able to connect me in a matter of hours. I only know him through a mutual acquaintence and was pleased to get a response so quickly.

Posted by
Anonymous
on 2007-08-29

PUBLIC:

Charles has backed us from the very beginning of our company. With Mike's addition, the consumer internet group is incredibly helpful on all facets of our business -- product planning, introductions and marketing strategies. We are looking forward to a long relationship with them.

Posted by
mcoond
on 2007-08-21

PUBLIC:

I had sent over my summary to them over the weekend. Mike was quick to respond on saturday and fixed up a phone chat. Promptly called up at the appointed time and patiently listened to things. Mike listened to all the things and explained to me about their situation. Atleast he was honest and straight forward enough to tell the true facts and reasons. When i asked him of suggestion or frank opinion, he was honest enough. I would suggest anyone to approach them as they can be trusted.

Posted by
valley_vet
on 2007-08-20

PUBLIC:

Recently had the opportunity to pitch Warren and Mike. Pretty disappointing meeting -- Warren hostile (for no obvious reason) from the minute we walked in the door. And he never had the courtesy to follow up in any way to our meeting.

Posted by
nncm
on 2007-08-10

PUBLIC:

sorry to be a late to the party, but i want to second the posts below that mike is a class act.

i approached him for advice on getting my very-early-stage startup off the ground. even though it's way too early for a standard vc firm like foundation to consider investing, mike set aside a bunch of time to talk through the ideas, offer feedback on the pitch deck, think about which angels to approach, etc.

i thought it was pretty cool that he was willing to help out even though there wasn't much in it for him. good feedback and good connections, too. would definitely recommend talking to him regardless of your stage in the process.